Sunday, August 21, 2011

You're a better man than me.....

Why are some people on this earth content to go about their lives in a safe, scheduled and routine existence while others have the desire to test themselves - to go farther, faster, higher. To dream the incredible dream?
I am inspired and in awe of these people. Without them we wouldn't have gone to the moon, we'd still have polio, we'd all still be in England or overpopulating the east coast because we were too afraid to hop in a wagon train.
This weekend I followed the dream of some people as they (through the internet) ran the Leadville 100 trail run. The Leadville website had a live tracking link that gave the chip times through each aid station. Every so often during the day I clicked on it to see where they were. I followed along on a map and elevation chart I'd printed off of the website. They began this incredible journey in the Colorado mountains at 4:04 AM MDT on Saturday.
What an epic day - they soared on a dream and wings I only wish I could have. 


The attrition rate for this years Leadville 100  is incredible. Out of 790 starters only 351 finished. Over half dropped out.

When I got up today I read in the newspaper of a Kirkland, Wa. man who biked from the Bellingham waterfront to heather meadows (103 miles), summited Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan (hiked 23 miles) in one push 33 hrs. and 29 min.'s. Here's the link if you want to read more about it: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/08/21/2148673/kirkland-man-pedals-103-miles.html

When I read about these people who are driven by dreams and goals that are epic why am I so drawn to believe I have that same spirit and ability in me? I wonder where my dreams will take me?!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Such a nice day for a hike!

Thought I'd test my leg on a short local hike, just to see how it's doing. I picked the Stimpson family nature reserve trail, because of it's length and it is a fairly up and down hike. Armed with my trekking poles and my neoprene calf sleeve. I took off - as the sign says it is a 2.8 mile loop.
(just click on the photos to enlarge them)


I know the "Trailblazers" Click here to see Djan's blog on their latest hike, are enjoying their high ridge views now on their hikes, but the forest views were like heaven to my eyes. I've sure missed walking through the forest on a hike.


In the picture below is a view of one of the "ups". The corner is at the upper left of the picture. As you can see it's not a particularly steep hill, but enough of an incline to test my calf


Yay for me, I made it around the loop in 1 1/2 hours and my calf still feels O.K..
Sure felt good to be hiking again!